Former West Ham and Spain National Team manager, Julen Lopetegui has been named the head coach of the Qatar national football team, the Qatar Football Association announced on Thursday.
“Ready for a new chapter. Welcome Lopetegui,” the federation posted on social media, alongside a video in which the 58-year-old Spaniard declared, “I’m ready.”
Lopetegui, a former manager of Spain and Real Madrid, has signed a contract through 2027, covering Qatar’s Asian Cup title defense and their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He replaces compatriot Luis Garcia at the helm and is set to debut on the sidelines in a home friendly against Iran on June 5.
Lopetegui who is a former goalkeeper for both Real Madrid and Barcelona was dismissed by West Ham in January after just 22 matches in charge. His coaching résumé includes a two-year stint with the Spanish national team, where he won 14 of 20 matches before being removed just days before the 2018 World Cup following his decision to join Real Madrid.
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